What We’re Reading

August Staff Reading List

UNP staff members are always reading new books, both within our list and outside of what we publish. Here are some of the books where our noses have been buried.

The Simple Art of Murder

Raymond Chandler

“This collection is worth it for Chandler’s introduction alone. And the stories are as good as it gets for classic, hard-boiled detective fiction.” —Alisa Plant

A People’s History of the United States

Howard Zinn

“It feels more important than ever to reread this.” —Joeth Zucco

Dead Wake

Erik Larson

“I’m listening to the audiobook. I’ve loved the jackets on Larson’s books but haven’t read one until now; the covers (and then the reviews) were the reasons for putting him on my ‘to read’ list. I’ve just started it and so far it’s very good.” —Andrea Shahan

Homegoing

Yaa Gyasi

“I honestly don’t remember why I picked this one up, but I am so glad I did! I couldn’t put this book down. The way Gyasi has written this sweeping tale of trauma, family, and legacy still amazes me.” —Natalie O’Neal

Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977-2002

David Sedaris

“I am borrowing Erica’s copy! I quite enjoy reading about the small encounters and life experiences of David Sedaris. He is a weird man, which ads to his charm.” —Lacey Losh

Eleanor & Park

Rainbow Rowell

“I loved it being set in 1980s Omaha-I felt like I went to school with Eleanor and Park.” —Erica Corwin

The Bone Clocks

David Mitchell

“This is the first Mitchell book I’ve read, and it is definitely a force to reckon with. Multiple narrators in several decades, all connected through the life of one character. Each section feels almost like a new genre; the stories feel familiar and then ‘normal’ is skewed. Recommended for readers looking for historical fiction, sci-fi, coming-of-age, travelogue, apocalypse, Iraqi war, 1980s music culture, mystery, mysticism, and social-revenge narratives occupying the same pages.” —Heather Stauffer

Another Counry

Mary Pipher

“I’ve had this book for a long time but a variety of factors have moved it to the front of my que. I’ve liked some of Pipher’s other books and anticipate getting some helpful perspectives on aging and on my parents’ generation.” —Tish Fobben

The Fact of a Body

Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich

“I saw it in the comments of a Facebook post and the title piqued my interest.” —Jana Faust

The Disaster Artist

Greg Sestero with Tom Bissell

“Finally, from spoons to Steven, here are answers to the strangest movie ever made. Funny and engaging. I read several passages out loud to my husband.” —Anna Weir